Philip Georgevich, M.D.
Vascular & General Surgery
David Catalane, M.D.
Vascular & General Surgery
Iyalla Adoki, M.D.
General Practice
Peter Dickinson, M.D.
Internal Medicine & Geriatrics
Alan Catanzariti, D.P.M.
Podiatry
Rodney
Kosanovich, D.P.M.
Podiatry
Gene Battistella, D.O.
Internal Medicine
Paul Willis, M.D.
Vascular & General Surgery
Joseph Romano, M.D.
Infectious Disease Consultant
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Over 16 million people in the U.S. have diabetes. And about 15% of them will develop foot ulcers, the most common cause of amputation in patients with diabetes.
Foot ulcers develop from wounds that won't heal. Even a minor cut or scrape
that a patient is unaware of can develop into an ulcer. This is caused by
Diabetic Neuropathy - a condition that affects the nerves, causing numbness
and loss of feeling in the hands and feet.
Wound care experts - doctors who are specially trained to treat chronic
wounds - will develop individualized programs for treating existing foot
ulcers and preventing the recurrence of new ones. Wound care doctors and
staff will also provide patient education to assist patients in dealing
with foot problems at home.
Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy
Decreased blood flow to the hands and feet can contribute to amputations
and is four times more likely to occur in patients with diabetes. Diabetic
patients should be aware of the following symptoms:
• Numbness
• Burning
• Tingling
• Weakness
• Unusual sweating
The likelihood of contracting diabetes increases with age. Other symptoms
to be aware of include:
• Absent or weakened pulses below the knees
• Pain in the legs and/or feet
• Feet may be cold, blue, pale or even reddened
These are the only feet we have, make them last a lifetime
• Inspect your feet daily. Use a mirror, or have someone else check them if you are unable. Remember to check between the toes. Check for dryness, redness, tenderness, calluses, dry cracks.
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• Apply moisturizer to dry areas, but not between toes.
• Don't go barefoot - indoors or outdoors.
• Avoid exposing your feet to extreme hot or cold.
• Protect feet from sunburn with sunscreen.
• Never use hot water bottles or heating pads on your feet
• If feet are cold at night, use loose cotton socks.
• Beware of car heaters on long trips.
• Don't use adhesive tape on the feet.
• Keep toes clean and free of debris between toes.
• Trim nails straight across - best done by your physician or podiatrist.
• Never cut corns or calluses yourself. Never use commercial corn, callus, or wart removers. See your physician or podiatrist, or go to a wound care center.
• See your physician or podiatrist if you develop a blister or sore on your foot.
• Buy proper shoes to fit the shape of your foot. Buy them later in the day, to accommodate for swelling. Avoid sandals and open toe shoes. Never wear new shoes for more than 2 hours at a time. Inspect your feet after removing new shoes for signs of blisters or redness.
• Never wear stockings or socks made of synthetic material. 100% cotton socks are good. Avoid socks with seams. Wear only clean socks and change them daily. Inspect your socks when you remove them for any signs of drainage or blood.
• Control your blood sugars. This can help prevent diabetic neuropathy, or keep it from becoming worse.
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